Poggio Sommavilla
Poggio Sommavilla: a dive into the history of prehistory
If you are passionate about archaeology and want to discover a hidden treasure in central Italy, Poggio Sommavilla, in the province of Rieti, will not disappoint you. This hamlet of the municipality of Collevecchio, located in the Tiber Valley, is known for its rich archaeological heritage dating back to prehistory.
Origins of the name: between antiquity and the Middle Ages
The toponym of Poggio Sommavilla dates back to the early Middle Ages and already appears in documents from 1100 under the name "Castrum Summa Villa". This name derives from the presence in the area of the ruins of a villa from the Roman imperial period. In fact, after the destruction by the republican Roman army of the ancient center whose name is still unknown, Emperor Hadrian himself ordered the reconstruction of a villa. From the Roman Empire period to today, several events have taken place, including the discovery of statues from the villa stolen in the 1600s for the Kircherian Museum collection. In the northern part of the current historic center, a peasant found a statue between 1876 and 1891 near the Grotta dei Frati locality, and today the two statues are located at the National Roman Museum.
Monuments and places of interest: a journey into prehistory
The history of Poggio Sommavilla is undoubtedly linked to archaeological finds. Thanks to the work of the local paleontologist archaeologist Massimo Ernesto Santucci, the Archaeological Civic Museum of Magliano Sabina has received important evidence of prehistory, including paleoarchaeological and prehistoric materials dating back to late antiquity.
Infrastructure and transport: how to get to Poggio Sommavilla
The Collevecchio-Poggio Sommavilla train station is the most used option by tourists who want to visit the hamlet. From here you can reach neighboring cities such as Rieti and Rome, and the tourist attractions of the area.
Conclusions
Poggio Sommavilla, in the heart of the Tiber Valley, is an archaeological treasure that deserves to be discovered. Thanks to the presence of prehistoric relics, this hamlet of the municipality of Collevecchio offers a unique opportunity to dive into the history of our country. With a bit of luck, during your visit, you may also admire the two statues on display at the National Roman Museum, stolen from the villa of the Roman imperial period whose remains can still be admired today.
